Bill Name: HB #2283

Bill Report:
Tattoos, Temporary Permits Bill Description: Allows the Department of Health to issue temporary 14 day certificates of registration to tattoo artists for educational, trade show, or product demonstration purposes only.

Tattoos. Have you ever thought about getting one? If so, the good news is that one of the best places you could go to educate yourself about the art of tattoos is at a tattoo expo. At the expo, tattoo artists showcase their techniques and designs to a larger group of spectators. With educational seminars offered, competitive contests, and lively entertainment on every corner of the expo, having a good time is almost mandatory. Unfortunately, the State of Hawaii, due to its current laws, has never had a tattoo expo. If enough support is rallied to push HB Bill #2283 to become an act, tattoo enthusiasts will be getting inked at the Hawaii Tattoo Expo.

With the success of Jas Pascua, lobbying the bill forward, with support from his state representative John Mizuno, it has made its way into the State Senate waiting to be heard in March. If the bill passes, it would open the doors to the sport and art of the tattoo industry, and most importantly, the cultural meanings behind tattooing.

Those in favor of the bill passing would also see enthusiasts and newcomers for the first time being able to get tattooed at the expo itself. The benefits of a tattoo expo are multi-fold. First, the expo would educate and showcase the art of tattoo to the people of Hawaii. Second, it would cater to the high interest and demand. Lastly, with Hawaii being a destination location for vacations and conventions, the indirect revenue that the expo would bring outside the event and into local businesses would be lucrative for all.

FACTS:

What is the issue? A permit is required for a tattoo artist to perform all related tattoo activity outside of a permitted area. In order to allow the coordination of a tattoo expo to be organized in the State of Hawaii, the law needs to be amended.

Why is it a bill? The State of Hawaii mandates that all tattooing activities must occur in a permitted shop by a licensed tattoo artist. The tattoo artist license issued by the Department of Health must also be in good standing. To read more about these requirements, refer to the Chapter 17 - Tattoo artist - at http://gen.doh.hawaii.gov/sites/har/AdmRules1/11-17.pdf.

Since this law obligates the tattoo artists to conduct all related tattooing on licensed premises, it would be impossible to host an expo where tattooing is available on site. The law needs to be amended to allow the licensed artists to perform off site.

What must be done? According to the Department of Health, a temporary certificate or registration must be issued to tattoo artists to practice outside of a tattoo shop. Legislation via a bill is required to offer this temporary certificate.

What actions have taken place thus far? At this point, the bill has passed all three committees at the State Capital. This includes the Department of Health, Committee of Consumer Protection, and Finance. Currently, it is on the Senate floor.

There are currently forty tattoo conventions being hosted in 11 countries around the world. Twenty-three of the forty are in the United States. They are in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. Will Hawaii be on this list soon?

To be more aware of the bill - H.B. No. 2283, check out http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2008/bills/HB2283_HD1_.htm. The bill progress can be found at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB2283. Those that support this bill will help Hawaii to be progressive by exposing all types of art. On the other hand, those that do not support this bill believe tattooing has only one home, and that home is in its permitted shop.

Where do you stand? Supporters are able to place there name on the online petition at: www.hawaiiinked.com to show your support.